Home»All Photographs»2016 Hikes»Wasatch Peak 07-02-16

Clayton and I decided on Wasatch Peak as our objective today. We strode up the trail quickly just as the parking lot was getting busy with the keener early-start crowd. Many popular hikes stem from this area, and by afternoon, the parking lot is a certifiable gong show of tour buses, traffic mediators and shuttle buses.
We ascended the blocky rubble of the east slopes without difficulty, but it was a good workout for the lungs. Once the grade eased, the short summit ridge came into view and yielded to a spacious summit where we had lunch. 360 degree views of snow-capped peaks surrounded us and verdant valleys below took on an appearance of green felt.
Clayton's energy levels weren't up where they usually are, and he opted to explore the shoreline of Eiffel Lake while I went on up the valley to Wenkchemna Pass.
On one of the snow patches en-route, I came across an unusually big wolf spider. I was in awe of its leg span and speed. Being so wary, it was tough to photograph. Once I got my shot though, I picked it up and put it amongst the rocks where it could hide instead of being out on the melting snow.
After a few kilometers, I reached the pass, and was greeted by a lovely vantage down into the rarely visited upper Tokumm Creek Valley. The lack of trails paired with burnt and downed snags from the fire of 2003 conspire to keep people out. It looked tranquil from high above, though. A free-standing monolith of rock called Eagles Eyre presides over the head of the valley and would be a fine spot to camp if one were to brave the long trudge to get there.
From the pass, I ascended a rocky shoulder toward the climbers route up Neptuak Mountain. This peak sure looks imposing! Some interesting meltwater ponds completed my scenic experience of Wenkchemna Pass. A little lower, I had a bite to eat with a couple of ptarmigan for company (although I could probably have a couple of ptarmigan for a bite to eat as well).